Halden Hill just west of Exeter is owned by the Forestry Commission and is an ideal spot for recreation. There are three easily marked trails: The Discovery Trail is one and a half miles long and is easy going with little steep terrain. There is a public highway to cross so caution should be exercised in getting young ones across. This is the easiest trail and the one we opted for when we took our two boys aged 4 & 5.
The Challenge Trail is as the tittle suggests is more demanding and is six miles long and described as Moderate. It incorporates a combination of surfaces, some narrow sections and gentle gradients for intermediate cyclists. This is a very good trail to move up to when you have built your confidence up on the Discovery Trail.
The Ridge Ride Trail & Ridge Ride Extreme are difficult and are also six miles long. They are for more technically accomplished riders and require good bikes and safety gear. This is a technical, fast trail with tight corners and step descents to test your reflexes. The Ridge Ride Extreme is a optional loop off the Ridge Ride and is more demanding than the previous sections of the Ridge Ride Trail. You can expect rocks, beams to traverse and a step down.
After we had got around The Discovery Trail we decided to try one of the two Skills Areas. These are purpose-built loops of about half a mile designed to help cyclists develop new off-road skills, with numerous climbs, descents curves and bumps they are suitable for all abilities.
Skills Area: This gives you a taster, with a good variety of features you'll find on the trails within the park. Easy, medium and harder options allow you to test and improve your skills. We did this loop and within about ten minutes our older boy was managing to go around the whole loop with only a bit of assistance getting up the steep section by the start. We found this the most beneficial as we could keep an eye on two active children and did not have to worry about their safety.
Pump Loop - We had a go on this more advanced training area but kept to the easier options rather that some of the more technically difficult raised beams and steep descents. This area is designed for older more advanced riders and was quite busy when we went at the week end.
We ended up having a soup and a roll at The Ridge Cafe which was very nice. I cannot recommend this place enough for parents with small active children. We had a great morning out and it enabled all of us to let off steam in a fantastic and safe environment.
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